May 25 The Road to Blade Show 2017

It’s almost June, which for many knife geeks means it’s time to gear up for Blade Show, the largest knife trade show of the year. An event where thousands of knifemakers, dealers, and materials suppliers come to display their wares, and even more collectors come in the hopes of scoring that grail blade (or for some, animal shaped bottle opener).

This will be my third year attending the show, and I’m as excited as ever. Before the show each year, I make a plan for what tables & booths I want to see first, and hopefully score a knife from. This year, there are a few makers that have really caught my eye that I’m going to be gunning for.

Photo by Raphael Durand

First off is Raphael Durand. Durand is a French knifemaker that primarily makes slipjoints and lockbacks, and they are phenomenal. I got the chance to handle some of his knives at the show last year, but had unfortunately spent all my cash by that point. When I returned home, I instantly turned on post notifications for his Instagram, and have been drooling over them the entire year. It goes without saying that Durand’s table is my first stop at the show this year.

Photo by Blake Petty

Second, one of my favorite knifemakers and possibly one of the nicest people in the world, Jared Oeser will be exhibiting. Oeser creates some of the finest, most unique slipjoints out there. He experiments with interesting material combinations, and creates his own patterns as well. If you’ve ever tried to buy one, you know that you have to be fast. Jared primarily sells through his email newsletter, and his Facebook group. I have no doubt Jared's booth will draw a large crowd.

Photo by David Sharp

And last, but certainly not least, a table that I stop at every year, and so far have always bought from: David Sharp. David is a wizard with bronze washers, and creates some of the best Loveless inspired fixed blades you’ve ever seen. From the pictures he’s posted of his Blade show crop so far, it seems like 2017 is going to be another stellar year at David’s table. David’s flippers are incredibly smooth, usually running on bronze washers (although I'm told that David has prepared a slew of knives on bearings for the show this year).

As with every year, I’ll make an attempt to stop by every table, but I expect that I will fail as I do every other year. Be sure to follow me on Instagram, where I’ll do my best to document my time at Blade show 2017.